Budget 2026

The longer the conflict, the worse the economic outcomes.

With the war on Iran deepening global uncertainty, Jim Chalmers is reshaping the 12 May budget as economic pressures rise and voters grow restless.

Critics say high-speed rail is an expensive distraction and the government should focus elsewhere. Anthony Albanese isn’t having a bar of it.

Investment bond providers like Generation Development Group and Australian Unity expect to benefit if the government slashes the CGT discount.

Last August, Treasurer Jim Chalmers emerged from his economic summit championing road-user charging as a key outcome of the talkfest. But it is difficult to find any evidence of progress.